The 25-year-old Ottawan, the only Canadian entered in the Giro d’Italia, caught the eye in his first career major cycling event. During the first two weeks of the competition, the cyclist from the Israel-Premier Tech team finished second in one stage on three occasions, in addition to finishing fourth in another.
Gee admitted that he was the first surprised at his performance when asked if he expected to be so successful during his first race of 21 stages totaling 3849.2 km.
“Before this race, definitely not. Never in 100 years, he mentioned Monday on the occasion of the last day of rest at the Giro. It has been two very emotional weeks. But if you had told me at the dawn of the competition what was going to happen, then I would have been jubilant. And it still is. »
Gee is 23rd overall at the Giro, 26:01 behind the leader, Frenchman Bruno Armirail. He also occupies second place in the points race behind the Italian Jonathan Milan, and seventh in the classification of the best climber.
He would now like to shine as the peloton heads into the Dolomites for what promises to be a tough final week of activity.
Gee was expected to support teammate Domenico Pozzovivo in his quest for the pink leader’s jersey, but the Italian’s race was cut short due to a positive COVID-19 test. Gee is now the leader of his team in the general classification, and his Italian teammate Marco Frigo is three places behind, in 35th place.
Gee is aware that his suffering is not over.
Three of the last six stages are marked by the highest level of difficulty (five stars), and this true test of endurance will begin on Tuesday with the 16e stage, a 203 km course with an elevation gain of 5200 m between Sabbio Chiese and Monte Bondone – without forgetting the finish area located at the top of a non-category pass.
The 18e and 19e stages, which will be presented later this week, will also take place in mountainous terrain.
“It’s pretty cruel,” admitted Gee. There are still a few extremely difficult days to negotiate between now and Rome (where the race will end next Sunday, after an individual time trial is held on the penultimate stage). »
“I managed to build my confidence since the start of the race, but I must admit that there are still many obstacles in my way”, he continued.
His goals this week are to position himself for the title of most resilient cyclist, and a stage victory. Gee had come within half a wheel of doing so in a furious final sprint against Germany’s Nico Denz in the 14e stage on Saturday.
Gee nevertheless believes that this is only a postponement.